AHA issues 2014 data on hospitals' uncompensated care

AHA News NowJan 21, 2016

U.S. hospitals provided $42.8 billion in uncompensated care in 2014, compared to $46.4 billion in 2013, according to the latest data from the AHA's Annual Survey of Hospitals. The decrease came as the coverage expansions contained in the Affordable Care Act took effect. About 8.8 million people gained health coverage in 2014, according to the Census Bureau. So far, 32 states have expanded Medicaid eligibility under the ACA. However, uncompensated care does not include Medicare and Medicaid underpayment, and does not account for the many other benefits that hospitals provide to their communities. Medicare and Medicaid underpayments totaled $51 billion in 2014.